This book mostly contains contributions by the invited lecturers at the 7th International Conference on Non-Destructive Testing and Micro-Analysis for the Diagnostics and Conservation of the Cultural and Environmental Heritage. The contributors have all been chosen for their individual reputations and the quality of their research, but also because they represent a field deemed highly important. Hence, this book give balanced coverage of the areas that are most relevant in non-destructive testing and micro-analysis in the realm of cultural heritage. The analysis methods provide the clinical composition of cultural artifacts to elucidate their provenance, the rate of alteration as a result of exposure to the environment and the effectiveness of conservation and restoration strategies. The techniques are partially or fully non-destructive, are portable, or allow study of different parts of a heterogeneous work of art.

Science, Technology and European Cultural Heritage is a collection of papers from the Proceedings of the European Symposium of the same title held in Bologna, Italy on June13-16, 1989. The papers discuss the critical issues related to the scientific and technical aspects of the protection and conservation of the cultural heritage of Europe. Participants of the symposium identify and describe the main research and development issues that are common to cultural heritage problems, and increase cooperation in these areas. Other papers examine the applicability of research and development through better matching with the real needs of conservators, restorers, policy makers, and the general public. The participants also discuss specific research and development directions for the future, including the provision of a scientific basis for European Community policies on environment and culture. One paper presents some of the scientific research done both in the field and laboratory of specific historical areas, monuments, indoor objects. As an example, archaeologists can use infrared thermal image analysis as an enhanced tool to detect buried archeological and historical sites. Another paper analyzes the chemical and physical properties of deteriorated stones in historical monuments in Castile-Leon. The collection can prove useful for archaeologists, historians, museum curators, and policy makers involved in national and cultural preservation.

This book provides the scientific and technical background materials of non-destructive methods of microscopic analysis that are suitable for analysing works of art, museum pieces and archeaological artefacts. Written by experts in the field, this multi-author volume contains a number of case studies, illustrating the value of these methods. The book is suited to natural scientists and analysts looking to increase their knowledge of the various methods that are currently available for non-destructive analysis. It is also the perfect resource for museum curators, archaeologists and art-historians seeking to identify one or more suitable methods of analysis that could solve material-related problems.

Conservation Science is a rather innovative application of instrumental analysis with steadily increasing importance. Although the first attempts for preserving material from the cultural heritage on a scientific basis are found in the 19th century pioneer chemistry years, only the use of sophisticated physicochemical techniques results in effective identification and deterioration studies of monuments and objects, and in reliable intervention procedures. This volume allows to gain solid knowledge and improved skills on the ways separation schemes and diagnostic methodologies are applied in the safeguarding and authentication of tangible works of art; as well as on the modes of implementing novel safeguarding practices built on well-established principles – such as the use of laser in the decontamination of objects. All techniques are covered at a state-of-the-art level; while selected applications permit addressing major groups of materials and artefacts. Conservation Science is nowadays taught at master’s level in all developed countries, and museum laboratories increasingly adopt scientific approaches in their restoration initiatives. The book is intended as a valuable tool for students and professionals active in these frames. In addition, it provides an indispensable manual for participants in the specialized intensive courses, which are systematically offered by the authors under the auspices of the relevant European network.

From 2nd to 5th October 2012 an International Congress on Science and Technology for the conservation of Cultural Heritage was held in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, organized by the Universidade of Santiago de Compostela on behalf of TechnoHeritage Network. The congress was attended by some 160 participants from 10 countries, which presented a total of 145 contributions among plenary lectures, oral, and poster communications. The congress was dedicated to eight topics, namely (1) Environmental assessment and monitoring (pollution, climate change, natural events, etc.) of Cultural Heritage; (2) Agents and mechanisms of deterioration of Cultural Heritage (physical, chemical, biological), including deterioration of modern materials used in Contemporary Art and information storage; (3) Development of new instruments, non invasive technologies and innovative solutions for analysis, protection and conservation of Cultural Heritage; (4) New products and materials for conservation and maintenance of Cultural Heritage; (5) Preservation of industrial and rural heritage from the 19th and 20th centuries; (6) Security technologies, Remote sensing and Geographical Information Systems for protection and management of Cultural Heritage; (7) Significance and social value of Cultural Heritage; and (8) Policies for conservation of Cultural Heritage. This volume publishes a total of ninety-three contributions which reflect some of the most recent responses to the challenge of cultural assets conservation.

As modern technologies continue to develop and evolve, the ability of users to interface with new systems becomes a paramount concern. Research into new ways for humans to make use of advanced computers and other such technologies is necessary to fully realize the potential of 21st century tools. Human-Computer Interaction: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications gathers research on user interfaces for advanced technologies and how these interfaces can facilitate new developments in the fields of robotics, assistive technologies, and computational intelligence. This four-volume reference contains cutting-edge research for computer scientists; faculty and students of robotics, digital science, and networked communications; and clinicians invested in assistive technologies. This seminal reference work includes chapters on topics pertaining to system usability, interactive design, mobile interfaces, virtual worlds, and more.

The series Topics in Current Chemistry Collections presents critical reviews from the journal Topics in Current Chemistry organized in topical volumes. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience.Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field.

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is of worldwide significance, and is strongly related to the detection of damage in engineering structures (buildings, bridges, aircrafts, ships, pressure vessels, etc.) using non-invasive techniques (ultrasound, X-rays, Radar, neutrons, thermography, vibrations, acoustic emission, etc.). Emerging Technologies in Non-Destructive Testing VI includes the contributions to the 6th International Conference in Non-Destructive Testing (Brussels, Belgium, 27-29 May 2015). The book intends to give the latest updates in the field of NDT, and is organized in chapters on high impact subjects, such as: - Applications of NDT methods related to cultural heritage structures; - Materials like ceramics, polymer and composites; - Railways; - Glass panels; - Steel structures; - Wind turbines, and - Aerospace structures. Other subjects include the monitoring of 3D-printed components, self-healing mechanisms in concrete, and applications of NDT in biological materials. Emerging Technologies in Non-Destructive Testing VI provides insight in the latest developments in the different techniques with a huge social impact. In addition, it facilitates the exchange of ideas among scientists and the industry, disseminating academic knowledge to society – and the other way around: giving feedback from the experience of practitioners to academia.